How to Download Instagram Reels on iPhone (2026 Guide)

Instagram lets you watch Reels as often as you like, but it doesn't let you keep other people's Reels on your iPhone. The bookmark icon only saves a Reel inside the app, and the "Download" option in the share menu is missing on most Reels because creators switch it off. If you want a real video file that plays offline, can be sent on WhatsApp or edited in CapCut or iMovie, you need a downloader.

This guide shows the quickest way to do it in Safari or Chrome on iPhone and iPad. There is nothing to install, it doesn't need a jailbreak or a Shortcut, and you never type your Instagram password anywhere.

What you need

• An iPhone or iPad with iOS 15 or newer (iOS 13 and 14 also work, but the Downloads folder is less obvious).
• Safari or Chrome — both work the same way.
• The link of a public Reel. Reels from private accounts can't be downloaded by any website, because Instagram only shows them to approved followers.
• About 10–50 MB of free storage per Reel, depending on length and quality.

Step-by-step: save a Reel to your iPhone

Step 1 — Copy the Reel link

Open the Reel in the Instagram app. Tap the paper-plane (share) icon on the right side, then tap Copy link. You'll see a short "Link copied" message. If you're watching the Reel on instagram.com in a browser, you can also copy the address from the address bar.

Step 2 — Open the downloader in Safari

Switch to Safari and open the Instagram Reels downloader. Tip: tap the share icon in Safari and choose Add to Home Screen — next time it opens like an app with one tap.

Step 3 — Paste the link

Tap the Paste button. iOS may ask "Allow Paste?" — tap Allow Paste. The Reel opens in about a second and shows a preview, the author's name and the caption. You can tap the play button to watch it on the page first and make sure it's the right one.

Step 4 — Choose the quality and download

Under the Reel you'll see three buttons:

• Video — the standard MP4 Instagram plays in the app (usually 720p). It starts downloading instantly.
• HD — the highest resolution Instagram stores, often 1080p. On iPhone it takes a few extra seconds because the file is converted into a format the Photos app can play (more on that below).
• MP3 — only the sound of the Reel.

Safari asks "Do you want to download …?" — tap Download. A blue arrow appears in the address bar while the file is downloading.

Step 5 — Move the Reel to your Photos

Safari puts downloads in the Files app, not in Photos. To move it:

1. Tap the download arrow in Safari's address bar (or open the Files app → Browse → On My iPhone → Downloads).
2. Tap the video to open it.
3. Tap the share icon and choose Save Video.

The Reel is now in your camera roll with all your other videos. You can delete the copy in Files to save space.

Video or HD: which button should you use on iPhone?

Both buttons give you the same Reel with sound. The difference is resolution, file size and how long it takes:

Why the wait for HD? Instagram stores many HD Reels in the VP9 format, which iPhones can't play in Photos. Our downloader detects that you're on an Apple device and converts the HD file to H.264 before sending it, so you never end up with a video that won't open. If you're curious about the technical side, read why some Instagram videos won't play on iPhone.

Downloading Reels with Chrome on iPhone

Chrome works the same way. After you tap Video or HD, Chrome shows a bar at the bottom of the screen — tap Open in… and choose Save Video, or tap Download and find the file later in the Files app under On My iPhone → Chrome.

Save only the music or voice-over

If you only want the song or the sound from a Reel, tap MP3 instead. The audio file goes to the Files app and can be played there or opened in a music app. There's a separate guide on converting Reels to MP3, including how to turn the sound into a ringtone.

Troubleshooting

• "This post is restricted…" — the Reel is from a private account, or the owner limited it by age or country. These need a logged-in Instagram account, so they can't be downloaded.
• Nothing happens when I tap Paste — iOS may have blocked clipboard access. Long-press the link box, choose Paste, and the Reel opens automatically.
• "That doesn't look like an Instagram link" — make sure you copied the Reel link, not a profile link. Reel links contain /reel/ or /p/.
• The video is in Files but not in Photos — that's normal for Safari. Open it in Files and use Save Video (Step 5).
• The Reel has no sound — Instagram sometimes removes licensed music from Reels in certain countries. The file contains what Instagram serves, so it is silent too.
• The download takes long on HD — long Reels need more time to convert. Use Video for an instant download.

Is it legal to download Instagram Reels?

Saving a public Reel to watch offline for yourself is generally fine. The Reel still belongs to its creator, though: don't re-upload it as your own, don't use it in ads or monetised videos, and ask for permission if you want to reuse it. If you share it, credit the creator. See our terms of use for details.

Frequently asked questions